Space System Verification & Validation

A Satellite Hardware Laboratory

This course provides participants with the processes, information, and tools necessary to implement (or evaluate) a credible verification and validation program. Emphasis is on practice over theory using a fully functional (hardware and software) benchtop satellite as the system of interest. The EyasSAT™ benchtop satellite has all of the major subsystems of any operational satellite, and serves as a testbed/instructional tool throughout the laboratory. Participants are introduced to the hardware and software associated with a system of interest, along with an end-to-end set of requirements, constraints, plans and procedures.

Participants are exposed to NASA, DOD and ESA standards, lessons-learned, tools and experiences in validation and verification. Teams then implement verification and validation steps as the satellite is built up from subsystem level to final system integration and test. Examples of the required documentation are provided and analyzed by participants so they are familiar with the information they will receive from contractors and/or government offices. Participants are provided with key lectures and resources and asked to use these processes, tools and information to develop validation and verification plans and then implement them in a hands-on laboratory where they will learn by doing. [Three or four-day course].

Course Objectives

Provide a detailed overview of all aspects of space system verification & validation used throughout the mission lifecycle, reinforced with practical experience on representative hardware and software. Expose participants to key methods used in space system verification, with emphasis on testing, especially environmental testing—thermal-vacuum, thermal cycling, load and vibration testing, as well as the concepts of functional, acceptance and qualification testing. Provide practial experience using important verification management tools such as Verification Requirements Matrices and Test Proceedures. Focus on implementation and analysis through hands-on group exercises.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course you'll be able to...

Explain the end-to-end SE process and how it applies to system (and lower level) requirements definition, allocation, validation and verification.
Describe the purpose and scope of key documents required in the validation and verification processes, and identify typical errors committed.
Describe various methods of verification, when they are appropriate. and how they are used as part of a verification plan for a system of interest
Determine appropriate circumstances and applicability of verification methods to prototype and proto-flight systems.
Analyze representative verification plans, test sequences and activities for an example system of interest (spacecraft).
Describe capabilities of various automated requirements tracking tools (e.g. CORE and DOORS) and their applicability to the validation and verification process.
Develop, evaluate and implement a master verification plan for a space system including hardware, software and associated ground support equipment (GSE).
Apply processes and techniques in a hands-on workshop associated with a system of interest.
Use applicable NASA, DoD or ESA Standards and lessons learned to support system validation and verification decisions and activities.

Course Topics

Introduction to Space Systems Engineering Processes
Verification & Validation of Space Systems
Implementing the Verification & Validation Process
Verification for Launch & Space Environments
Developing a Verification Program
V&V of Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Systems
Software V&V
Operational V&V

EyasSAT Course Exercises

Requirements Validation
Verification Planning
Verification & Validation of Space Systems
Part-level Verification
Software Verification
Subsystem-level Verification
System Integration
Integrated Functional Testing
System Acceptance Review
Environmental Test Campaign Planning

Who should Attend

Engineers, principal investigators and project managers who are responsible for the detailed design and operation of space systems. Intact teams preparing to develop or respond to a existing RFP or AO. Past participants from Designing Space Missions & Systems, Human Spaceflight or Understanding Space courses are ideal!

Course Materials

Each participant will receive:

A complete set of course notes with copies of all slides used in the presentations
TSTI Alumni status allowing on-line access to course materials, including tools and videos through the Student Lounge
EyasSAT Verification Plan

Testimonials

"Seeing the EyasSAT really helped me understand satellite systems. Addressed the reality/conflict between real-world hardware and pristine theory.” –NASA/GRC Engineer
“The hands-on experience made you think/remember that you often need to write test procedures for someone not familiar with your hardware.” –NASA/GRC Engineer
“It was a very good learning exerperience to see verification matrices and actual hardware IN THE SAME ROOM.”—ESA Engineer
“Great Course!” –Boeing Test Engineer